Patan Durbar Square lies in the heart of Lalitpur. It is one of the three Durbar Squares present in the Kathmandu Valley, also known for its extreme cultural and architectural importance in Nepal. Patan Durbar Square has also been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of Nepal’s most visited places.
Patan, where Durbar Square lies, is one of the oldest cities in Nepal. Ancient scriptures also point towards Patan as one of the more prosperous cities in those times. Newar settlements mostly surround it. There is more than 100 courtyard surrounding the Patan Durbar Square. Patan also holds 56 significant temples, which are still preserved to this day. The square has religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Patan Durbar Square is best known for its immense historical and cultural importance in Nepal. Although its establishment’s real history is unknown, the royal square is filled with architectural monuments erected by the kings of the Malla Dynasty, dating back to the 1600s. The unique style of architecture is the focal point of Patan Durbar Square. Visitors are always in awe at the tall pagoda-style palaces, wide courtyards, and ancient statues and scriptures. The windows and doors in the palaces are made of wood and have intricate carvings of flowers, goddesses, and other figures which depict the cultural beliefs of people living in Patan in ancient times.
The most famous important temple which lies inside the square is the Krishna Mandir, which contains a shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple gets crowded with devoted believers of Lord Krishna during Krishnajansthami. Other major temples in the square include the Bhimsen Temple, Vishwanath Temple, and Taleju Bhawani Temple, all of which were established in the 1600s. The temples, red brick pavements, the busy markets surrounding the square, and the sight of old buildings with similar architecture to the palaces make travelers feel like they have traveled back in time.
Unfortunately, during the earthquake of 2015, most of the monuments were severely damaged. Most of the damages have already been mended with renovations, and some are still being renovated.
Art and craftsmanship are abundant in and around Patan Durbar Squares. As you pass through the narrow stone-paved pathways, you will come across several metal craftsman workshops and art workshops. The art is mainly focused on the painting of gods and goddesses and the natural monuments flaunting Nepal’s natural and cultural beauty. The art of wood crafts and Thanka painting has also been handed over to new generations, and you can find a glimpse of it here and there.
Rich cultural presence defines the environment of Patan Durbar Square. Festivities like the Rato Macchindranath Jatra fill Patan’s streets with joy every year as thousands of people crowd around the Durbar Square to celebrate.
The marketplaces surrounding Durbar Square are also one of its specialties. The feeling of warmth as you enjoy local Newari Delicacies, sitting in the old local houses, cannot be replicated anywhere else. Travelers can also look through several spice markets and buy exotic spices to take home to their family and let them enjoy the local delicacy as well. Metal statues and wood carvings make for a perfect souvenir.
The art, architecture, and rich cultural ambiance of Patan Durbar Square are sure to leave a lasting memory. This makes Patan Durbar Square one of the must-visit sites in Nepal and the world.
